For the young and young at heart that prefer to explore
Anchorage is blessed with great short walks, glow worm caves and a great swimming beach. Stay two nights in one of the most stunning areas of the Abel Tasman, with our camp guide on hand to prepare great meals and help you get the most from your experience.
Our 3 day Family Comfort Camping Adventure allows you to experience the Abel Tasman at your own pace while providing the information, logistics & services that you’ll need. We create customised itineraries that include critical tidal crossing timelines, extra water taxis for legs too small to walk all the way and include transport to & from the Abel Tasman Coast Track, luggage transfers and your accommodation at our tenting set-up in Anchorage. Detailed notes, including tide times, maps, and advice on what to bring and when to walk will also be provided.
PRICE:
NZD$949 per adult and NZD$839 per child
Includes:
- Transport from your Nelson accommodation to Mārahau and back to Nelson
- Accommodation in Kathmandu Retreat 280 tents (large enough to stand up in)
- Our camp guide – to keep things running smoothly
- Bag transfers (you only carry a daypack)
- Return water taxi shuttle from Bark Bay/Anchorage
- All meals – breakfasts, lunches & evening meals including nibbles & drinks
- Personalised itinerary and map for your trip
- Arrival briefing from our team in Mārahau before your trip
Itinerary
Approx. 4 hours walking – 12.4 kms
The trip begins when we pick you up from your accommodation in the Nelson area and transport you to Mārahau. Check in your bags, collect your lunch, and have your trip briefing from our staff before heading off on the track!
Children too young to walk 4 hours can opt for the water taxi to Anchorage (additional charge).
On the trail you will spend the day hiking, swimming, and exploring forests and golden sand beaches on route to Anchorage.
Your large Kathmandu Retreat 280 tents at Anchorage Campground will be ready and waiting, complete with our own camp guide to look after you and prepare your meals. Sleep in comfort on our Kathmandu Cabana 75mm self-inflating air mattresses with all your bedding including a duvet and pillow. The camp site doesn’t have hot showers, just a cold water outside shower, but the location is simply stunning.
*Please note our Comfort Camping at Anchorage operates from mid-December until the end of February.
Today is the perfect day to explore this area, we’ll make you a picnic lunch and off you go. A visit to Cleopatra’s pool is a must, take your togs and towel and walk the 1 hour to this special place – a great place to swim in crystal clear waters and for those that are keen there is naturally formed water slide. After lunch, you could do the Pitt Head Loop – with a stunning viewing platform looking out across the entrance to Anchorage, watch the comings and goings of all the boats before heading to Te Pukatea Bay for a swim and explore around the rocks at the far end of the beach.
Or you may like to join a half day guided kayak tour of Anchorage Bay (not included in your package and needs to be pre-booked). With a minimum age of 8 years this kayak trip is perfect for families paddling around the calmer waters of Anchorage Bay visiting some of the islands, beaches and lagoons in this stunning area.
Return to Anchorage for your evening meal and a guided glow worm cave walk in the evening.
Approx. 3 to 4 hours walking – 11.4kms
This section is known as the “heart of the park” and is a highlight for many visitors to the park. Start out across the Anchorage beach before dipping into the native forest, the track winds its way through lush native New Zealand forest, popping out into clearings where you can see the alluring waters and stunning beaches. There is a 50m swing bridge to cross that spans the beautiful Falls River, before meandering into Medlands Bay and Bark Bay where you’ll meet your water taxi for the journey back to Mārahau.
From Mārahau our transport will take you back to your Nelson accommodation to complete your adventure.